My Week in Books – 25th January 2026

Monday – I published my review of Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor. I also shared details of the five brilliant historical novels shortlisted for the Winston Graham Historical Prize 2026.

Tuesday – This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic was Goals for 2026.

Wednesday – As always WWW Wednesday is a weekly opportunity to share what I’ve just read, what I’m currently reading and what I plan to read next… and to take a peek at what others are reading.

Thursday – I shared a list of ten historical novels that explore the legacy of the First World War.

Saturday – I took part in the Six on Saturday meme, sharing six things from my garden this week.

Not a sausage…

I’m reading Benbecula from my TBR pile, Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the race that will change the world for my book club meeting next week and The Shock of the Light from my NetGalley shelf.


  • Book Review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Book Review: Ravenglass by Carolyn Kirby
  • Book Review: Tin Man by Sarah Winman
  • Book Review: Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier (Yes, I am behind with reviews…)

Six on Saturday – My Gardening Week

Six on Saturday is a weekly meme originally hosted by The Propagator but now in the tender care of Jim at Garden Ruminations.

It’s been another washout of a week here in the South-East, although I’m mindful that other areas have had it much worse. Fortunately on Friday the sun came out – briefly – and I was able to dash around the garden taking a few pictures in between filling the bird feeders in advance of the RSPB’s Big Birdwatch this weekend.

One – A half full bag of mulch waiting for a day when it isn’t either pouring with rain or frozen so the remainder can be spread on borders and in the vegetable garden.

Two – On a more positive note, the seed potatoes (the variety is Charlotte) have arrived ready for chitting. I always feel it marks the real start of the gardening year.

Three – And here’s another one. Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ emerging from the soil, even if the leaves are looking a bit tatty. This will be its second year so, fingers crossed, we’ll be able to harvest some for the first time.

Four – This may not be a big thing for propagation experts out there but I’m thrilled the rosemary cuttings I took a few months ago seem to have taken.

Five – Blooms spotted on one of the pulmonaria in the garden. It’s one of my favourite plants because it flowers so early.

Six – Berries are providing most of the colour at this time of year.

Do check out the posts of other participants by following the links in the comments section of Jim’s post. If you fancy taking part yourself but don’t know where to start, here’s the participant’s guide.